“I see him change how everybody plays them,” Spoelstra said. “It’s the ‘Dirk Nowitzki Effect’ on their offense. As a defense, you absolutely overreact to every situation that he is in. He has earned that respect.”

After playing only 17 minutes at Washington on Tuesday, Nowitzki got a little more extended run against the Heat, playing 29 minutes in a game that went to overtime.

His 19 points were the most he’s had in the six games since he’s been back.

The Mavericks have seen Nowitzki play better with each passing game, and, at some point, he’ll be back in the starting lineup.

“It’s a gradual process, him getting back to where he needs to be from a conditioning standpoint,” Carlisle said. “His health is good. But conditioning and rhythm is what’s going to take some time. He’s making progress.”